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Precepts, Visualization and Sutra Study in Jodo Shinshu

Genza

By Rev. Miki Nakura

In Buddhism, following precepts is a common practice, especially for monks and nuns. Even lay followers strive to follow basic precepts not to kill, steal, lie and others. Someone asked me about Jodo Shinshu’s perspective.

“Does Jōdo Shinshū disregard precepts? I never hear about them outside of general Mahayana Buddhism. And what about visualization practice and sutra study? They also don’t seem important in Shinshū.”

These kinds of questions naturally arise when learning about Jōdo Shinshū. Therefore, I’d like to express my views.

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Steeped in Suffering

By Rev. Patti Nakai

These days I feel “my life sucks.” Shinran Shonin would say—bonnō gusoku – filled with irritation/misery. He often slung that description of himself and the human condition. We’re full of it; why should we expect otherwise?

I’m steeped in bonnō; clearly there’s nothing “blind” about it. Physically I’m in pain and discomfort from stage-four cancer in my spine and liver and the many side effects of radiation treatments and oral medications. My personal life has daily annoyances and stressful episodes. Add dukkha from seeing news about violence in our cities, country and world. Continue reading “Steeped in Suffering”

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Minister Training in Kyoto

By Gregory Thomas

Arriving at Higashi Honganji mother temple in Kyoto for shūren (ministers retreat), I had only a rough idea of what awaited. After receiving initial tokudō ordination, I needed training for full kyōshi ordination, which would enable me to work as a temple minister. But nothing—absolutely nothing—prepared me for the intensity, discipline, and emotional weight of this monastic-like experience.

It wasn’t quiet meditation, peaceful strolls in nature, and reflective periods of reading sutras, rather relentless activity that was physically and mentally demanding, highly structured, and ultimately deeply transformative for me. By week’s end, I learned more about myself than years of academic study could ever teach. Continue reading “Minister Training in Kyoto”